Cruise port London (City)
Info for port London (City) on 28 Nov 2027
Port information & tips for London (City)
London is the vibrant global city on the Thames and a glamorous highlight of every sea voyage to England. The port of call in the heart of the City impresses with its immediate proximity to the most significant landmarks and offers an incomparable panorama thanks to the spectacular journey upstream. In the direct vicinity, the historic fortress of the Tower of London, the iconic Tower Bridge, and the culinary paradise of Borough Market delight visitors. Smaller ships enjoy the privilege of docking directly at the Tower Bridge Upper Mooring, while larger liners berth at the modern Greenwich Ship Tier. Thanks to excellent connections by boat or train, guests can reach the bustling shopping streets and cultural centers of the British capital in a very short time.
London (City) offers cruise passengers a picturesque and historically rich port of call, primarily via the Greenwich Ship Tier. Although the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury is also used for larger ships, Greenwich allows for a unique experience right in the heart of the city. Since London is a vast metropolis, careful travel planning is recommended for guests from the DACH region.
Airplane
London has several international airports that are easily accessible from the DACH region. London City Airport (LCY) is the closest to the Greenwich Ship Tier at approximately 13 kilometers and offers convenient transfer options. From there, you can reach the terminal by taxi in about 20-30 minutes. Heathrow (LHR) is about 40 kilometers away, with a taxi ride taking approximately 44 minutes and costing from around 65 GBP. A train connection with transfers from Heathrow Airport to Greenwich Pier takes about 1 hour and 1 minute. Gatwick (LGW) is located about 49 kilometers away, with a travel time of around 53 minutes by taxi from approximately 75 GBP. Private transfer services are available for all airports, providing comfortable and stress-free transport directly to the port or a pre-cruise hotel. For flights with longer travel times from the DACH region, an overnight stay in London on the day before embarkation is advisable to start the cruise relaxed.
Train
Greenwich station is very easy to reach thanks to its connection to the London rail network. From London Bridge, six trains per hour run to Greenwich on weekdays, enabling a quick connection to the city center. From Greenwich station, you can easily reach the Ship Tier on foot in a few minutes. Another efficient option is the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which provides connections from central London stations such as Tower Gateway or Bank and also serves the Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich stop, located directly at the pier. For travelers arriving from other parts of Great Britain or wishing to explore London before the cruise, hotels near the pier or in the center are available, all of which are well-connected to the public transport network.
Car
Arriving by car at the Greenwich Ship Tier is possible, but parking options in the immediate vicinity are limited and can be expensive. Greenwich is accessible via the M25 motorway (junction J2) and the A2. Please note that Greenwich lies within London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) and charges a daily fee of £12.50 for vehicles that do not meet emission standards. This applies to all London boroughs. Short- and long-term parking can be found at providers in the surrounding area or at hotels offering Park-and-Cruise packages. For example, there are parking facilities at The O2 (Car Park 3) or at the Holiday Inn Express Greenwich. For a relaxed arrival, the use of Park & Ride offers outside the ULEZ or early booking of a parking space is recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
London (City) offers cruise passengers a picturesque and historically rich port of call, primarily via the Greenwich Ship Tier. Although the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury is also used for larger ships, Greenwich allows for a unique experience right in the heart of the city. Since London is a vast metropolis, careful travel planning is recommended for guests from the DACH region.
Airplane
London has several international airports that are easily accessible from the DACH region. London City Airport (LCY) is the closest to the Greenwich Ship Tier at approximately 13 kilometers and offers convenient transfer options. From there, you can reach the terminal by taxi in about 20-30 minutes. Heathrow (LHR) is about 40 kilometers away, with a taxi ride taking approximately 44 minutes and costing from around 65 GBP. A train connection with transfers from Heathrow Airport to Greenwich Pier takes about 1 hour and 1 minute. Gatwick (LGW) is located about 49 kilometers away, with a travel time of around 53 minutes by taxi from approximately 75 GBP. Private transfer services are available for all airports, providing comfortable and stress-free transport directly to the port or a pre-cruise hotel. For flights with longer travel times from the DACH region, an overnight stay in London on the day before embarkation is advisable to start the cruise relaxed.
Train
Greenwich station is very easy to reach thanks to its connection to the London rail network. From London Bridge, six trains per hour run to Greenwich on weekdays, enabling a quick connection to the city center. From Greenwich station, you can easily reach the Ship Tier on foot in a few minutes. Another efficient option is the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which provides connections from central London stations such as Tower Gateway or Bank and also serves the Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich stop, located directly at the pier. For travelers arriving from other parts of Great Britain or wishing to explore London before the cruise, hotels near the pier or in the center are available, all of which are well-connected to the public transport network.
Car
Arriving by car at the Greenwich Ship Tier is possible, but parking options in the immediate vicinity are limited and can be expensive. Greenwich is accessible via the M25 motorway (junction J2) and the A2. Please note that Greenwich lies within London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) and charges a daily fee of £12.50 for vehicles that do not meet emission standards. This applies to all London boroughs. Short- and long-term parking can be found at providers in the surrounding area or at hotels offering Park-and-Cruise packages. For example, there are parking facilities at The O2 (Car Park 3) or at the Holiday Inn Express Greenwich. For a relaxed arrival, the use of Park & Ride offers outside the ULEZ or early booking of a parking space is recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Thanks to its central location, the port in London offers an ideal starting point for exploration and is excellently connected to the metropolis's public transportation network.
On foot
From the mooring point in Greenwich or near Tower Bridge, you can reach the first historical sights in about 5 to 10 minutes. The paths lead along the picturesque waterfront promenades and provide direct access to charming cafes and famous museums.
Uber Boat (water taxis)
The Thames Clippers, known as Uber Boat, are a particularly convenient way to reach the city center via the Thames. These fast water taxis operate at high frequency and also connect the port directly with important stations such as the London Eye or Westminster.
DLR and taxis
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and classic black taxis are available at nearby stations and designated stops. Thanks to the good connections, you can quickly reach all parts of the city while enjoying an uncomplicated onward journey to the major shopping streets.
To make the most of your stay in the British metropolis, we recommend focusing on the iconic landmarks along the Thames as well as the vibrant neighborhoods in the heart of the city.
Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Located directly on the banks of the river, the world-famous bascule bridge impresses as a maritime landmark, and the adjacent historical fortress offers an incomparable cultural experience thanks to its fascinating history and the glittering Crown Jewels.
South Bank & Borough Market
This vibrant riverside promenade invites you to take an inspiring stroll with views of the skyline and, thanks to its proximity to the traditional Borough Market, is also perfect for a culinary discovery tour in an authentic atmosphere.
Covent Garden
This charming district in the West End delights with its distinctive market halls and first-class street performers, while its stylish boutiques and cafes provide the ideal setting for a relaxed stroll through the city.
St. Katharine Docks
The picturesque St. Katharine Docks are located directly next to Tower Bridge as well as the Tower of London and are perfectly accessible from the central piers within a few minutes' walk. This historic harbour complex offers an exclusive atmosphere with elegant yachts and first-class cafés and, thanks to its sheltered location, is an ideal place for a relaxed break right by the water. Enjoy the view of the tastefully restored warehouses and take advantage of the high-quality gastronomy for a stylish lunch in a maritime setting. It is best to visit the docks in the late morning to fully experience the special tranquility of the marina, and plan a short walk across the adjacent Tower Bridge afterwards to return to your ship on time and in a relaxed manner.
The journey back to your berth at Tower Bridge or in Greenwich can be planned in a relaxed and punctual manner thanks to London's excellent infrastructure.
Uber Boat and Thames Clippers
Use the Uber Boat from central piers such as Westminster or Embankment Pier to return directly to Tower Pier or Greenwich by water. The trip on the Thames also offers a wonderful view of the skyline and brings you comfortably close to your ship's berth.
Taxi and Black Cabs
The famous Black Cabs can be found at official taxi ranks near the Tower of London, in front of major hotels such as The Tower Hotel, or simply by hailing one on the main streets. Thanks to the drivers' excellent local knowledge, you will reach the correct gate directly and can also use the travel time for one last look at the sights.
On Foot and DLR
From the City of London, you can walk along the well-signposted Thames Path directly to Tower Pier or HMS Belfast. If your ship is in Greenwich, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will take you comfortably to Cutty Sark station, from where you can reach the pier in a few minutes via the level forecourt.
In port on 28 Nov 2027
